Key Factors for Business Success in Switzerland - BaselArea

Various factors are integral to success.

The following points must be taken into consideration before setting up a company:

• Necessary authorizations
• Business plan
• Selection of legal form of organization
• Funding
• Social security

Handbook for Investors

The Handbook for Investors provides an inside view of all aspects relating to the establishment of foreign companies in Switzerland.

http://www.osec.ch/internet/osec/en/home/invest/worldwide/publications/investors.html

Necessary authorizations

For starting a business, some authorizations are required under certain circumstances:

• For non-Swiss citizens: residence and work permits
• Generally: authorizations specific to certain industries and professions
• In certain cases: special authorizations

For detailed information, please contact our specialists.

Additional information from the Federal Office for Migration

http://www.bfm.admin.ch/content/bfm/en/home

Business plan

In principle, it is always advisable to create a business plan in the initial phases of a planned company establishment.  This document is essential when looking for capital, partners or investors.  We will gladly discuss your plan with you and give you feedback or help you to make contacts with competent experts. It is worthwhile to invest enough time in the business plan in this early phase of your establishment - it pays off and saves later delays.

For detailed information, please contact our specialists.

Selection of legal form of organization

In Switzerland there are a limited number of legal forms of organization:

• Sole Proprietorship
• General Partnership
• Private Limited Partnership
• Corporation
• Limited Liability Company (LLC)

For detailed information, please contact our specialists.

Foundation procedure legal forms

	Corporation_Foundation_procedure_0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	121 K
	LLC_Foundation_procedure_0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	121 K
	Selfemployed_Foundation_procedure_0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	99 K
	Partnership_Foundation_procedure_0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	98 K
	Branch_Foundation_procedure_0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	97 K

Overviews legal forms

	Corporation_overview_0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	81 K
	LLC_overview__0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	79 K
	Selfemployed_overview_0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	80 K
	Partnership_overview_0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	77 K
	Branch_overview_0512.pdf PDF-Dokument	28 K

Funding

A company establishment requires company capital and often also outside capital. This raises the question of suitable types of financing and appropriate partners. The capital for the establishment can be procured in different ways. The level of the original capital depends on the choice of legal form. We will gladly assist you with advice in these matters.

For detailed information, please contact our specialists.

Social security

Social security in Switzerland is based on three pillars:

• 1st column: Old Age and disability Insurance (AHV)
• 2nd column: Company Pension Fund
• 3rd column: Private Pension Plan

For detailed information, please contact our specialists.